The Hundred Days of May are Over, Let's Take a Bow

I say this with feeling, we made it through May!
Educators, parents, and students, if you are reading this post, in just a few short hours, the tempestuous, chaotic, busy month of May will be in our rearview mirrors. We can sigh in relief. We made it, and while it may have been messy and filled with deadlines, performances, and performative tasks and tests, it was also filled with the extended light of early summer, balmy days, beautiful blooms, iced coffee (for those that partake), and culminating moments. I see you, graduates.
We are zooming into June with joy in our hearts because we know, even if we work through the summer, that slow days are coming, bright sunrises that lead you to the pool with a good book in hand, and if you are lucky, where you live, stone fruit bursting with juicy goodness.
I spent the month in a perpetual state of busyness, with big moments piling on each other, but I found ways to bring joy to the table. On a quick walk to the library, I stopped to smell the gardenia at the aesthetic architecture firm next to our apartment. I don't have photo evidence, but it was a lovely moment. And gardenias only bloom for such a short time. But what a time that is. Oh, to be a pollinator. đ
The purple Jacarandas are in the middle of their annual bloom in our town. Even though they are not native to southern California, which means they are part of the dreaded invasive species, they are still so lovely to look at. They were planted to make the streets more beautifulâsuccess!
These are just a couple of little moments of joy for you. And sometimes, it is okay to pop into an ice cream shop and sample new flavors or perhaps visit a new bookstore or library. Every single moment is waiting for your presence.

It has been a great month to celebrate family. There were dance shows, Mother's Day, and long drives back home from college. There was also a lovely visit to a local ice cream shop to sample a summer flavor (orange creamsicle and cookie butter).
The world is difficult every day. People are messy and complicated. Systems seem to exist to prevent us from thriving. But each moment we stop to savor something beautiful and slow down is a form of appreciation and gratitude for this life.

Now, take that bow. Let's move on to June! I don't know about you, but I have made my summer reading list, and was lucky enough to have a friend drop a book off at my front door today. The world is full of fun little surprises. What are you planning to read this summer?
Enjoy!
Sending you summer vibes!
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